2026 days ago

Auckland Coastguard honoured at NZ Search & Rescue Awards

Steve Wilson from Coastguard Auckland

Volunteers with Auckland Coastguard have been recognised at this year’s New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards held at Parliament this week.

Congratulations to Jo Norgrove who received a Certificate of Achievement for her services to Coastguard and Search and Rescue.

Auckland Coastguard was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Operational Activity for their involvement in the rescue of a badly injured yachtsman near Waiheke Island in March last year.

Coastguard Auckland volunteers Chris Griggs and Lynne Jacobsen received the award on behalf of the rest of the unit at the awards ceremony held in Wellington.

Griggs says it was an honour to accept the award on behalf of the unit.

“This rescue was a real team effort,” says Griggs. “We had no idea of the severity of the man’s injuries at first but once on scene we worked hard to bring the situation under control and provide as much comfort and pain relief as possible.”

On the night of the rescue, the Coastguard Auckland unit responded to the yachtsman ’s distress call who was badly burned after being engulfed in flames on board his vessel. Coastguard Auckland unit vessels, ASB Rescue and Li on Foundation Rescue, were tasked to locate and assist the casualty and then to transfer the yachtsman to the nearest land point where an ambulance and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were waiting.

Griggs boarded the yacht to find the man sitting in the shower under the running water in an attempt to ease the discomfort from his burns. “The fire had caused significant burns to his arms, h ands and lower body. He had done the right thing by sitting under the cold water but in doing so had started to go hypothermic and was in immense pain,” says Griggs.

Once on board Lion Foundation Rescue, the man was carefully transferred to emergency services waiting onshore.

The judges said the Coastguard volunteers used their skills in a “highly stressful situation” where time was of the essence. By preventing further injury to the victim , the volunteers improved his chances of survival and recovery.

Auckland Coastguard relies on donations and sponsorship to deliver on our mission of "Saving lives at sea." If you can support us in any way, please get in touch with Owen Harrison on 09 303 9366 or owen@auckland-coastguard.org.nz


Pictured from L to R: Jo Norgrove, Chris Griggs and Lynne Jacobsen

Image
More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

Image
6 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Image
Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 85.1% Yes
    85.1% Complete
  • 13.8% No
    13.8% Complete
  • 1% Other - I'll share below
    1% Complete
2383 votes
1 day ago

For Sale 4-bed ; 4-bath home in Rangitoto College Zone

Gabrielle Elborough from Sell with Gabrielle, Mairangi Bay & North Shore

This fabulous Freehold family home of approximately 340sqm on 635sqm of land is situated in a cul-de-sac in a well-established family-friendly neighbourhood.

Step inside this exceptional home to an abundance of space and comfort. Everything you could possibly need from multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas, to a designer kitchen, dining and family room with sea view, flowing seamlessly to the private fully fenced outdoor entertaining area which comes with a pizza oven. Perfect for relaxing, hosting family and friends and making memorable moments to cherish.

Four generous double bedrooms including two master bedrooms, two walk-in wardrobes, four bathrooms including two ensuites, a family bathroom/semi ensuite and a superbly located guest toilet.

Downstairs offers space and flexibility of use, ideal for extended family or guests and has its own entrance. Comprising a rumpus, used as a home office/playroom, a kitchen, dining, living area connecting seamlessly to private landscaped outdoor living adjacent to bush/reserve filled with bird song. The fourth bathroom is on this level as is a large separate laundry.

Seven heat pumps throughout this meticulously maintained family home ensure comfort. There is a central vac system and lots of storage space.
Plenty of parking available: a Double internal-access garage plus off-street parking for up to 5 cars - including a boat or campervan - also parking bays in the cul de sac.

A choice of excellent schools: Rangitoto College; Long Bay College; Northcross Intermediate, Sherwood Primary and Pinehill Primary Schools.

www.barfoot.co.nz......
Gabrielle Elborough
Real Estate Agent
021 257 5018